The symptoms of glaucoma are not easy to spot. They usually appear only in the last stages of the disease. Many are terrified of glaucoma, especially since the illness is currently untreatable. It is, however, very preventable. Knowing the symptoms can come in handy while prepping for an appointment with the ophthalmologist.
Symptoms of Glaucoma | 5 Things to Note Down
1. Hazy or Blurred Vision
One of the classic symptoms of glaucoma is a hazy or blurred vision. It tends to affect both open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. The only difference is their timing. Impaired vision is not as noticeable in open-angle glaucoma. It only occurs on the person’s peripherals for the most part and is often referred to as tunnel vision.
If untreated, the blurred vision may increase and cause a drastic change in a person’s full vision capabilities. It is best to have the eyes treated before the illness moves to its later stages.
2. Rainbow Circles upon Bright Lights
#GlaucomaAwarenessMonth The appearance of rainbow-colored circles around bright lights can be a symptom of #Glaucoma. Don’t neglect it. pic.twitter.com/lTA1BpEqdt
— Disha Eye Hospitals (@Dishaeyecare) January 24, 2017
People suffering from glaucoma may also experience rainbow halos. These pop up upon looking at bright lights. It is a telltale sign that the eye is not allowing enough light in. This symptom is also common among those with cataracts.
3. Eye Pain
Eye pain happens from time to time, especially if you have been staring at the computer for so long. If it lasts for a week or more, it can be one of the symptoms of glaucoma. Schedule an appointment with the eye doctor as soon as possible.
4. Head Pain
Headaches may occur frequently with glaucoma since the hazy and blurry vision can put a strain on the eye. Bear in mind, the range in pain varies from one person to another. Some may only experience slight headaches while others can suffer from severe migraines.
5. Nausea
Nausea is one of the less-known symptoms of glaucoma. The urge to vomit arises from the blurred vision and severe headaches or eye pain. This usually occurs in cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Know more about the symptoms of glaucoma by pressing play on the video below:
These symptoms of glaucoma can vary from person to person. Experiencing them does not immediately mean you have the eye disease. The best way to know is to see your doctor. You also need to have an eye checkup regularly if you have the risk factors. These include genetics or family history, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other eye conditions. Either way, do not let these symptoms get worse. The sooner you can get a treatment, the better are your chances of preventing further nerve damage.
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